KOTA MARUDU: After 14 years of being held as an annual festival that has made corn synonymous with Kota Marudu, Pesta Jagung which was held with much fun-fare here yesterday will be reinvented as Pesta Kota Marudu.
Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Maximus Ongkili said the festival would be known as Pesta Kota Marudu from next year in line with the state government’s directive for festivals held by the respective districts to reflect the features of the districts and not based on one product only.
“The state government’s call relating to festivities held by the districts is timely since Pesta Jagung has already made Kota Marudu famous for corn farming. With the festival now called Pesta Kota Marudu, we will be able to highlights the various features and products of Kota Marudu.
“These include the various agricultural products and activities, cultures and practices that derive from Kota Marudu and other activities such as the 4×4 motorsports that is quite active here,” said Dr. Maximus who is also Kota Marudu MP.
However, corn would still remain a strong feature of the festival, he said, adding that efforts needed to be continued to promote corn planting activities and development of corn products from Kota Marudu.
Dr. Maximus also said that activities to promote green lifestyle and using energy efficiently are some of the good habits that would also be promoted during the festival by targeting groups such as the youths.
“Pesta Kota Marudu will be held around year end after the Kaamatan festival which is also a big event in our district,” he added during the launch of the Pesta Jagung.
Activities at the Pesta Jagung included community sports and games, a Ratu Pesta Jagung beauty pageant, competitions based on agricultural products, motorsports and exhibitions by various private sector and government departments and agencies including those under the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry.
Continue reading at: 'Pesta Jagung' is now 'Pesta Kota Marudu'
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